Exploration Co-Lab

Macro shot of a spider web covered with dewdrops

Aspiration: to create a transformative space where bold visionaries can reimagine and redesign systems, addressing the root causes of today’s interconnected social and environmental challenges.

The Exploration Co-Lab is Unearthodox’s answer to a critical gap in innovation: a space dedicated to systemic transformation. Unlike traditional programmes that focus on incremental change, this Co-Lab is designed to nurture regenerative solutions that restore balance to our social and ecological systems. 

Too often, we try to tackle global issues using the same systems that created those problems in the first place. It is time to move beyond the limitations of a capitalist growth model and explore new paradigms rooted in care, reciprocity and intergenerational equity.

What if innovation could be measured not just by economic output, but by its capacity to heal, connect, and regenerate?

The Exploration Co-lab programme

The Co-Lab seeks out bold systems innovators who are redefining how we live, work, and coexist with nature. This programme is designed as a two-fold support system, offering:

  • Resources to refine, test, and scale regenerative solutions that address root causes and create lasting impact.
  • Deep allyship to help innovators navigate entrenched systemic barriers and cultivate resilience.

The programme itself was co-created with our inaugural cohort of seven innovators, ensuring it reflects the needs and aspirations of those driving change.

Why now?

In September 2024, we hosted a kick-off workshop in Cambridge, UK, bringing together our inaugural cohort of seven innovators and 12 ‘Critical Minds’—thought leaders, impact cultivators, and systems entrepreneurs. Together, we explored the current landscape of innovation support and identified gaps in traditional models.

Many innovators feel isolated, navigating fragmented systems that struggle to support unconventional, cross-sector approaches. They face structural barriers like limited networks, resistance to disruptive thinking, and a lack of allies.

The Co-Lab is designed to address these challenges by building a new model of support—one that embraces risk, fosters radical collaboration, and champions regenerative principles.

Who’s involved?

  • Inaugural Cohort of Innovators: Seven bold systems innovators developing transformative ideas to create lasting social and environmental impact. Biographies and details of their initiatives can be found here.
  • Critical Minds: A collective of leaders and innovators working in areas like regenerative design, sustainable economies, and Indigenous systems who provide strategic insights and support.
  • Current Insights and Research partner: In collaboration with the Post-Growth Institute, we are conducting groundbreaking research into new incubator and accelerator models that move beyond capitalist frameworks to embrace regenerative and equitable approaches.
  • Support: Unearthodox’s staff & team of consultants

What Sets the Co-Lab Apart?

Along with addressing current challenges in innovation, the Exploration Co-Lab also taps into several key opportunities that are crucial for driving transformative change. Here’s what makes it unique:

  • Rising Demand: Innovators are seeking spaces to tackle complex, interconnected challenges in ways that prioritise regeneration over extraction. 
  • Empowering Innovators, not just ideas: While many programmes focus on the technical development of ideas, the Co-Lab will nurture the growth of innovators as individuals.
  •  Depth Over Scale: The Co-Lab will foster deep, purposeful relationships over superficial connections, fostering a community rooted in trust and shared purpose.

Connecting the Dots: By addressing the systemic nature of global challenges, the co-lab will create holistic solutions that bridge sectors and disciplines.

What’s next?

Programme Launch: The inaugural cohort will embark on a formal, year-long journey in the second quarter of 2025, supported by ongoing mentorship from the 12 Critical Minds.

Research Phase: Partnering with the Post-Growth Institute, we will conduct a six-month market research project (October 2024 – March 2025) mapping out dynamic, alternative incubator models that prioritise regenerative approaches over capitalistic approaches.

Tailored Support Framework: A comprehensive support framework, including financial and non-financial resources, will be designed based on insights from our inaugural cohort.

Expanding partnerships: We will forge new alliances within the ecosystem to amplify our impact and drive systemic change.

All past projects  🠇

Want to get in touch?

Email the project team at  info@unearthodox.org
Unearthodox
info@unearthodox.org
Chemin Jean-Baptiste Vandelle 3A
Versoix CH-1290, Switzerland
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 Unearthodox. All Rights Reserved.
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